Crowheart Vehicular Homicide Trial Set To Begin

by K2 News Desk, info@k2tv.com

A Lander man accused of driving recklessly when he struck and killed an 11-year-old Crowheart girl will stand trial on Tuesday.

William Barnes has pleaded not guilty to felony aggravated vehicular homicide charges. He also denied misdemeanor charges of homicide by vehicle, driving too fast for conditions, passing a stopped school bus while its red lights were flashing, and failing to exercise due care as a driver.

Authorities say on December 20th of last year, Barnes was traveling East on U.S. Highway 26 at 57 miles-per-hour when he hit Wind River School sixth-grader Makayla Strahle as she crossed the roadway.